WE first introduced Edward Bell's work here in 2014 although his work had already attracted a strong local following; this is his second solo show at the Silk Top Hat Gallery. The exhibition, on the top floor, brings together new cloudscapes with another of his recurring motifs – angelic forms.

'The angels out of darkness appear, bringing their own light from a dimension divorced from day and night. Earthly skies, in all their changing glory, curtain their kingdom. The presence of angels is no more far-fetched than the astonishing drama of a stately dawn, or lurid pathos of a majestic sunset. They inhabit a realm beyond imagination.'

Edward Bell works out of doors when producing his energetic landscapes and skyscapes. His approach is immersive, 'Whatever the weather, the true beauty of the day does not reveal itself until one steps outside'. He is exposed to the light and elements, exhilarated by wind and rain, and experiences the vastness of a sky never uniform, even a 'grey day' provides a kaleidoscope of subtle hues and tone.

Edward Bell studied art at Brighton College of Art, graphic design at Chelsea School of Art and photography at the Royal College of Art. He worked as a freelance photographer and illustrator for Vogue, Tatler and Elle magazines. He was commissioned to produce portraits for album covers for David Bowie ('Scary Monsters' and 'Tin Machine') and Hazel O'Connor ('Sons and Lovers'). He has exhibited widely on the London art scene and his work covers many genres from life paintings to bronzes, from pop art to landscapes. He was also the subject of a film by the artist Marcus Thompson, titled 'Edward'. After dropping out of the London art scene, he took time out in Venice and Florence. His return to the Art World in 2003 was marked by an exhibition in Gallery 286, London, entitled 'Re-nude'. It was closely followed by 'Pulse', a collection of symbolic abstracts. In 2008 he had two solo shows; 'Emigration' at Stronach Gallery Co.Galway and 'One Sky' at Gallery 286 in London.

We are delighted to show new work by Matthew Wood, with his second solo exhibition here on the middle floor. This time he has been visiting churches around south Shropshire, north Herefordshire and Wales as well as continuing with his landscape studies.

The exhibition consists of a series of interiors of local churches including Mary Magdalene in Leintwardine, St James in Brampton Bryan, St Alkmunds in Aymstrey and St Bartholomew's in Richards Castle along with churches, interiors and landscapes from further north along the Welsh Marches and into Mid Wales. The Welsh Marches offer a plethora of historic and ancient churches that are both atmospheric and picturesque. He tells us, 'It is within these ancient buildings that inspiration has been drawn from their sense of solitude and atmospheric light as well as their sense of history and place within the community and landscape'.

For the last fifteen years Matthew Wood has focused his art practice on producing works on location and in one sitting be they landscape or interior. Working from primary observation encourages a method and technique that is both expressive and direct. The challenge of creating a successful painting in sometimes adverse conditions – from rain and snow storm to darkened, late-night or haunted corridor – adds to the experience of the process of painting.

Born in 1973, Matthew graduated from Middlesex University in 1998. He has been based in London and Brussels and now lives with his family in mid Wales. In 2008 he was selected and exhibited in John Moores 25. He has exhibited widely in Wales including Finn y Parc, Oriel Davies Gallery, MOMA Wales and the West Wales Art Centre. More recently he has been artist in residence at Powis Castle in 2014, Chirk Castle in 2015 and Erddig this year and has been invited to produce a body of work for the Capability Brown 300 Years Festival at Weston Park in November 2016.